CHICAGO (March 11, 2009) - The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition is excited to announce its 12th Annual "Break the Silence" Walk, to take place at the Chicago Park District Grove 13 (just south of Belmont Harbor off Lake Shore Drive), on Saturday, May 2, 2009. The event will raise funds for research advocacy, awareness programs and survivor support activities.

Ovarian cancer affects approximately one in every 70 women, but few people know the early warning signs. Additionally, it will claim more than 15,000 lives this year, and more than 20,000 women will be diagnosed with the disease. There is no effective screening test, as pap smears ado not test for this disease. Also, women with breast cancer often have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.

"Though the symptoms may be subtle and are often confused with other medical conditions, ovarian cancer is 90 percent curable if diagnosed in Stage 1 of the disease, which makes awareness and education key to increasing survival rates," said Dale Clarke, NOCC-IL Coordinator. "The NOCC's'Break the Silence' campaign was created specifically to help generate ovarian cancer awareness on both a local and national level, and regional walks such as these play a significant role in fundraising efforts."

The first in an ongoing nationwide awareness campaign, the Chicago Walk will be held at the Chicago Park District, Grove 13, located at North Lake Shore Drive, just south of Belmont Harbor off Lake Shore Drive and near West and Wellington. Opening ceremonies, hosted by WLIT's Robin Rock, will begin at 9:30 a.m., with the Walk stepping off at 10 a.m. This year's three-mile Walk is expected to attract more than 2,000 participants, including more than 100 ovarian cancer survivors, their families, friends and supporters.

NOCC Chicago Walk/Add One

The NOCC Illinois Chapter goal is to raise $250,000 with 2500 walkers at the event. All walk proceeds fund education and awareness on both a local and national level, as well as help to advocate research to foster early detection and successful ovarian cancer treatment.

NOCC Chicago Walk

Pre-registration runs until April 25, with entrance fees of $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. There will also be on-site registration the day of the event, $30 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. In addition, the NOCC will host an on-site health fair, as well as provide t-shirts, refreshments and goodie bags for all participants. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., a survivor ceremony will held at 9:30, and the walk begins promptly at 10:00 a.m. Come join the cause and help Break the Silence!

For more information about the NOCC Chicago Chapter walk, email il.nocc@ovarian.org or call 630-769-1664.

About NOCC

Since its inception in 1995, the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) has been committed to raising awareness of ovarian cancer in communities across the country and to providing education and programs for women with ovarian cancer and their families. For more information on the "Break the Silence" campaign and to contact one of the NOCC local chapters, visit www.ovarian.org or call 1-888-OVARIAN.

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The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization that provides public education and awareness about ovarian cancer through a toll-free Help Line, local NOCC Chapters, comprehensive website, peer support, publications, and awareness/educational programs. NOCC's mission is to raise awareness and promote education about ovarian cancer. The Coalition is committed to improving the survival rate and quality of life for women with ovarian cancer. For more information on the "Break the Silence" campaign and to contact one of the local NOCC Chapters, visit www.ovarian.org or call 1-888-OVARIAN.